[BlatherNaut]

He left highly controversial and flatly rejected passages in the final report. They were noted as rejected, so it’s not like he defied the synod, but it did leave the impression that he had hoped the synod might move in another direction.

And he could ultimately choose to disregard the synod, which would be consistent with his autocratic leadership style.

[dangus]

Wellll.... yes and no, depending on what you mean by disregard it.

He affirmed its finding already. And even if he didn’t, he can’t change doctrine. I guess he could try to establish canon law in contradiction to that doctrine, but then the bishops all have their own apostolic authority. All hell would break loose (literally), and all he would accomplish is the diminution of his own authority and lots of confusion. If he tried to issue a heretical doctrinal statement, he’d probably be declared an antipope. That’s if he wasn’t struck dead by divine intervention first. (Don’t laugh; it’s happened.)